As much as they didn't seem interested early on, it only makes sense for them to explore the possibility, whether it's to be in position if they don't sign Lee and want to quickly change plans by signing Crawford and trading for a pitcher; or whether they, somehow, could afford both Lee and Crawford (after re-signing Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter); or just to drive the price on Crawford up for the Red Sox and Angels.

Of course, it could also be the Yankees response to the Red Sox reportedly making an offer to Mariano Rivera.

"Besides signing Adrian [Beltre], I would go right after Carl Crawford. He would be a good third-hole hitter. This guy's unbelievable. He's got so many weapons to hurt you, that he's just unbelievable. His speed, his defense, the way he hits —he can hit for power, he can hit just to get on base. There's so many ways to hurt you. This guy's a serious weapon, I'm telling you right now. … I can't believe he hasn't been signed by someone already. This is a serious weapon. This is a serious player. This is a six-tool player. … And the most important thing, this guy stays healthy and he works really hard. So, there's no way you can go wrong about this guy."

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The Tampa Bay Rays will head into the 2015 season with Evan Longoria, Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and plenty of new faces, including manager Kevin Cash. Can they upend the Orioles in the highly competitive AL East? Come here to follow Rays news at Tropicana Field and beyond.